Outdoor Living

Outdoor spaces are more important today than ever. If you’re ready to show off your culinary skills in your new outdoor kitchen or put in a pool for the kids, we’ve got you covered. Learn estimated project costs, easy DIYs, and helpful tips for everything from pest control to covered patios. 

Family having a party in the backyard
Photo: Trinette Reed / Stocksy / Adobe Stock
Family having a party in the backyard
Photo: Trinette Reed / Stocksy / Adobe Stock
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
modern wooden deck attached to house
Dan Simms
•
Jan 16, 2025
Jan 16, 2025
Looking to update your yard with a new outdoor entertaining area? Learn how much a pressure-treated wood deck costs and how to estimate your total.
Home deck and patio with outdoor furniture and BBQ
Mizuki Hisaka
•
May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025
Trex decking can offer your home a beautiful, durable outdoor oasis. Learn all about the costs of Trex decking based on space, size, and style.
white trellis with pink flowers
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Jan 23, 2025
Jan 23, 2025
Trellises are structural pieces that add to your garden, but they can also add to your bills. Keep reading to find out how much a trellis costs to build.
Large home with cement deck in the yard
Paige Bennett
•
Oct 29, 2024
Oct 29, 2024
You may wonder, “Who can I call to remove a cement deck?” When you’re ready to refresh your outdoor space, review this guide to learn who to hire for the job.
backyard deck with hot tub
Deirdre Sullivan
•
May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
Before turning your outdoor space into a place to soak, consider whether you can put a hot tub on your deck without causing structural damage.
Man building a wooden patio deck
Taylor Freitas
•
Jun 26, 2025
Jun 26, 2025
You’re designing your dream backyard deck when an important question crosses your mind: “How much decking do I need?”. Figure it out with this deck calculator.
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Friends enjoying party at home
Lawrence Bonk  •  Jun 24, 2025
Here are the 7 Major Types of Patios
There are many different types of patios out there, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Here are the major patio types to choose from.
Worker installing polymeric sand
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Jun 24, 2025
How to Apply Polymeric Sand
Learn how to apply polymeric sand to keep your pavers sturdy and secure for years to come. It's important to know how to use paver sand in the right weather.
luxury patio with brick paver
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Jun 24, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Seal and Clean Pavers? [2025 Data]
Looking to spruce up your outdoor entertaining area? Learn how much it costs to seal pavers and what factors to consider when estimating your total.
Family eating dinner together on the patio
Paul F. P. Pogue  •  Jun 20, 2025
17 Deck Railing Ideas and Designs
Ready to upgrade your outdoor spaces? Turn your deck into a place you love to show off with these 15 rail design ideas.
Outdoor terrace with sofa and chairs
Catherine Hiles  •  Jun 19, 2025
Deck Building Codes: A Complete Guide
When you build a deck, you need to ensure it complies with local building codes. Here’s what you need to know about the most common deck building codes.
Modern concrete dining area with a grill
Catherine Hiles  •  Jun 17, 2025
Why Is My Concrete Patio Cracking? 7 Reasons and Solutions
A concrete patio is an affordable addition for outdoor dining and entertaining, but cracks are unsightly. Learn the answer to the question, “Why is my concrete patio cracking?”
Dinner party on a flagstone patio
Mitchell Grant  •  Jun 16, 2025
How Much Does Flagstone Cost? [2025 Data]
Flagstone gives your outdoor space a gorgeous, rustic feel. Find out the cost of flagstone per square foot or per ton. Our expert cost guide helps you plan your budget for your flagstone project from walkways to patios to walls.
Concrete patio with furniture and a pergola
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jun 14, 2025
4 Common Concrete Patio Problems and How to Fix Them
Here is everything homeowners need to know about common concrete patio problems, including when to call a pro and what to fix yourself.
Residential backyard with pavers
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jun 14, 2025
5 Patio Drainage Problems and How to Fix Them
Don’t let patio drainage problems ruin your backyard paradise. Discover the common issues and fixes so you can enjoy your outdoor oasis.
house and backyard with patio furniture
Taylor Sansano  •  Jun 13, 2025
How to Build a Paver Patio
Paving a patio can be challenging if you’ve never taken on this type of yard project before. Learn how to perfectly pave your patio.
Woman sitting on the deck snuggling with her dog
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jun 12, 2025
What’s the Best Material for Decks? What to Choose for the Ultimate Hangout Spot
Know the best materials for decks for different styles, colors, maintenance, climates, wood decking, regular decking, and pool decks.
Wooden deck of house
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jun 12, 2025
What Is the Best Wood for Decks? 6 Top Picks
Installing a new wooden deck? Explore this guide to learn about the best wood for decks, including the benefits, costs, and life expectancy of each type.